RS approves extension of Presidents rule in Bihar

New Delhi, Aug 1 | Updated: Aug 2 2005, 05:30am hrs

Rejecting the charge that NDA was not allowed to form government in Bihar, the government on Monday strongly defended Governor Buta Singhs recommendation for dissolution of the Assembly as the Rajya Sabha approved extension of Presidents rule there for six more months amidst an NDA walkout.

Presidents rule was imposed on March 7 on the recommendation of Governor Buta Singh. Further, the Governor recommended dissolution of the House on May 22.

Replying to a discussion on a statutory resolution seeking extension of the Central rule in Bihar beyond September 7, home minister Shivraj Patil said on the recommendation of the Governor, the government decided to dissolve the Assembly and seek fresh mandate to prevent horse trading.

Election Commission has stated that polls will be held in October-November ... The government has nothing to do with it (poll schedule). But, we will be happy if the elections are held earlier, he said allaying BJP-led Oppositions fears that the polls might be put off to early next year.

The resolution was passed by the House by a voice vote amidst a walkout by Opposition NDA.

Backing the Governors recommendation to the hilt, the home minister told the House that Mr Singh had written two letters to the Centre categorically stating that horse-trading was going on and all efforts were being made to wean away MLAs with the help of allurements, money and muscle power.

When BJP leader Sushma Swaraj questioned the home minister as to how the Governor came to know about horse-trading, Mr Patil said it was shown on television and the Governor also had his own information.